SHOREBIRD CONSERVATION THROUGH RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND MANAGEMENT IN SAMBOROMBÓN BAY, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

MARTÍNEZ CURCI N.S.; CASTRESANA G; BALA, LO; AZPIROZ AB; ELÍAS, R; BRUNI, AC; SÁNCHEZ, SM

Congreso; 5th Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group Meeting; 2013

Samborombón Bay and particularly its southern tip Punta Rasa, Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of the major migratory stopovers for shorebirds in the SE Atlantic coast. Due to its biological value it has been designated as a ?Natural Reserve?, a ?Wetland of International Importance? (Ramsar), an ?Important Bird Area? (BirdLife International) and recently as a ?Site of International Importance? (WHSRN). Despite these recognitions, it lacks effective protection and unplanned tourism development threatens the integrity of its coastline. Additionally, basic ecological knowledge about shorebird requirements for migratory stopover that could serve as the basis for the proposal of effective management measures is unknown or outdated. We present the research, education and management results obtained since the incorporation of the site into WHSRN, as well as future plans developed through alliances between scientists, government agencies and NGOs to improve the conservation status of the wetland and the birds it supports.